Urban Super Almighty Student

Chapter 148 - Protective Talisman

“Tonight, the Immortals Retreat will auction off a mysterious item. Zhang Jinsong claims it's of immense value.”

“What could it be?”

“Zhang Jinsong isn't one to speak without cause, yet even I'm in the dark about it.” Loong Jiuxiao said with a smile and a shake of his head.

“I'd like to see for myself.” Loong Lieyan was always keen on excitement.

“Let's go, then.” Loong Jiuxiao was eager for his daughter to gain new experiences.

Lin Rou'er sat in the customized car, gazing ahead with a contemplative look.

“Miss, we're not members of the Immortals Retreat. Why would Zhang Jinsong invite us?” May inquired, baffled.

“The mysterious item Zhang Jinsong referred to could be of great worth,” Lin Rou'er mused, “And the Immortals Retreat's new owner wants to demonstrate his clout with this event.”

“I wonder why the Faang family would hand over the Immortals Retreat and the Stardust Hotel.”

“They likely had no choice in the matter.”

“Could someone really coerce the Faang family into such a decision?”

“In both Eylas and Glento, there are many families as influential as the Faang family,” Lin Rou'er whispered, “Let's not forget the Azure Dragon Club, one of the three top-level clubs.”

“The Azure Dragon Club remains shrouded in secrecy,” May remarked gravely.

Upon arrival at the Immortals Retreat, Zhang Jinsong personally greeted Lin Rou'er's entourage and escorted them to the VIP section.

Given Lin Rou'er's rising trajectory, she was bound to eventually lead the Lin family.

Zhang Jinsong, therefore, treated Lin Rou'er with considerable deference.

The VIP area was bustling with industry moguls and celebrities, all of whom Lin Rou'er greeted cordially.

Over time, the section filled with more influential figures. Yet, to their astonishment, none had any clue about the mysterious item Zhang Jinsong had alluded to.

Once Zhang Jinsong confirmed the attendance of all the listed dignitaries, he approached the podium with a smile.

“I'm sure you're all eager to discover the nature of this mysterious item,” Zhang Jinsong surveyed the crowd and announced, “What I'm about to reveal will challenge everything you know.”

As Zhang Jinsong spoke, a lady approached him, carrying an exquisitely crafted brocade box. With the audience watching in anticipation, Zhang Jinsong opened the box to reveal a yellow piece of rune paper lying peacefully inside. The crowd gasped in surprise.

Holding the yellow rune paper with reverence, Zhang Jinsong's gaze was one of deep devotion. “Mr. Zhang, surely you're not playing a trick on us?” Zhou Boda voiced the suspicion that hung in the air, emboldened by his status as the patriarch of the Zhou family—a position few in Glento could rival.

“Just wait and see, Mr. Zhou,” Zhang Jinsong replied, then glanced at a bodyguard standing in the distance. The bodyguard approached and placed a handgun on a tray in front of Zhang Jinsong.

“Mr. Zhou, as a retired military officer, I'd like you to inspect this firearm,” Zhang Jinsong requested, gesturing for the lady to hand the gun to Zhou Boda.

Zhou Boda, unsure of Zhang Jinsong's intentions, nonetheless expertly disassembled the gun. After a thorough inspection, he reassembled it. “This is a Type 69 handgun,” he confirmed, recognizing the model immediately.

Several other influential figures were then invited to examine the gun, each drawing the same conclusion as Zhou Boda.

“Now that we've established there's nothing wrong with the gun, please go ahead and shoot me,” Zhang Jinsong declared abruptly.

The bodyguard, gun in hand, hesitated. Despite Zhang Jinsong's assurances of safety, the idea seemed inconceivable. Zhang Jinsong, clutching the yellow rune paper, looked at the bodyguard and commanded, “Shoot.”

Without further hesitation, the bodyguard fired at Zhang Jinsong's chest. A gunshot rang out, prompting a chorus of screams from the audience. But then, a collective gasp replaced the screams.

“Impossible.”

“What is this golden light?”

“It's emanating from the yellow rune paper.”

“Could this be the fabled protective talisman?”

“It has to be.”

“The mysterious object Zhang Jinsong referred to is indeed a protective talisman.”

As the bullet's force faded, the golden glow on the rune paper vanished as well. Zhang Jinsong reached out to catch the still-warm bullet and placed it on a tray. “If you have any doubts, feel free to examine the bullet,” Zhang Jinsong offered with a smile. But there was absolutely no need for inspection.

”This protective talisman was personally crafted by my boss,” he continued, dropping another bombshell. At this revelation, the VIPs began to grasp why the Faang family had parted with the Immortals Retreat and the Stardust Hotel. It was simply astonishing.

“Mr. Zhang, what's the price for your protective talisman?” Zhou Boda asked eagerly.

“Are you aware that in this world there's a martial arts community that ranks Acquired experts from one-star to nine-star? This talisman not only shields you from harm but can also protect you from a nine-star expert for a brief time.”

Most of these influential figures were among Glento's elite and were well-versed in the martial arts community. The news that even a nine-star expert would struggle to break through this talisman sent a wave of excitement through them. Possessing such a talisman would be akin to having an extra life. They might have more money than they could spend, but they only had one life to live. This talisman could change that.

“Tonight, we're auctioning off this type of protective talisman,” Zhang Jinsong announced, scanning the room. “But my boss has only crafted three, so I suggest you bid early.”

”What's the starting bid?” inquired Zheng Yaolun, his voice resonant with authority. As the head of the Zheng family, his status was on par with Zhou Boda's. His question about the starting bid signaled his firm resolve to acquire the talisman.

“There is no starting bid,” Zhang Jinsong replied with a smile. “Bid whatever you believe your life is worth.”

“One hundred million,” declared Zheng Yaolun, not hesitating to open with a high bid, showcasing his wealth.

“Two hundred million,” Zhou Boda countered calmly.

“Three hundred million,” Lin Rou'er chimed in after a brief pause, joining the bidding fray.

It must be said that the protective talisman was truly captivating, and Lin Rou'er was no exception in her desire to obtain it.

However, Lin Rou'er's bid was swiftly outdone. Within a brief span, the price soared to one billion.

While these tycoons had net worths exceeding ten billion, there were few among them who could produce one billion in cash immediately.